- Debates can help put a candidate above his or her competition.
- In a debate, candidates defend their voting records and explain their position on issues the voters are concerned about.
- The debates are seen as a key reason that some people are elected.
- Doing poorly can end a candidate's career.
- Doing well could help a candidate's career and chances of being elected.
- The first televised presidential debate was in 1960 between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon.
- This year there have been three debates between President Obama and Mitt Romney.
